You may not realize it, but raw honey holds a wealth of nutritional health benefits for our bodies. It can be used as a substitute to refined sugar as a sweetener for many recipes with much less damaging effects. Not only a oral medicine, raw honey has also been used topically to cure other health issues.
Honey Image Source: Pixabay.com
How is Raw Honey Different from Other Honey?
According to Dr. Axe, raw honey is :
a pure, unfiltered and unpasteurized sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers. Most of the honey consumed today is processed honey that’s been heated and filtered since it was gathered from the hive. Unlike processed honey, raw honey does not get robbed of its incredible nutritional value and health powers.
So, to make the most of the health benefits of honey, you will want to use it in its rawest form. Honey has been used for centuries as a medicinal "superfood," dating back to being used in ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Still need a little convincing? Here is a list of Raw Honey Health Benefits that should persuade you to give it a try!
1. Raw honey has amazing antibacterial properties.
Before the invention of penicillin, honey was used to treat many ailments including ulcers, burns, and even the occasional scrape. Scientists have found that some honeys can treat over 200 bacterial strains, so it's no wonder so many used to use it to fight infection for wounds and other issues!
Source: Amazon.com
The best honey to treating topical burns, cuts and scratches is Manuka honey -- derived from the flowers of the Manuka plant. Manuka honey is one of those amazing types of honey, created with a special ingredient that helps wounds heal quickly. No one has yet to figure out exactly what this secret ingredient of manuka honey is, so for now it's still just called the "Unique Manuka Factor."
Using raw honey to treat injuries on children is especially effective, since applying honey doesn't sting or burn like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
2. Raw honey relieves a sore throat and cough.
When you are battling a cold or other illness, raw honey can be a great defense for your throat. The irritation created by sinus drainage can create a scratchy feeling in the throat. Coughing can irritate your throat as well.
Source: DepositPhotos.com
Since the raw honey coats the throat when ingested, you can get the same treatment naturally as you get from a dose of over-the-counter cough medications -- especially at nighttime!
3. Raw honey moisturizes dry skin.
Many people struggle with dry skin in the winter while others may be seeking more moisture for their skin all year round. No matter the severity of your issues, using raw honey in a DIY moisturizer can bring about the benefits as a lotion you buy in a store. Raw honey has also been known to help treat eczema and the skin irritations that can occur with this condition.
Source: DepositPhotos.com
Plus, you can add raw honey to your shampoo and conditioner to help replenish the moisture in dry, brittle hair!
4. Raw honey is a natural immune system booster.
Consuming raw honey on a daily basis can help to promote a healthy immune system, reducing your chances of getting colds and other illnesses. Because of the honey's antibacterial and antioxidant properties, the food can help your body fight germs and infections that would otherwise have you feeling crummy for days at a time.
Source: DepositPhotos.com
A wonderful concoction you can drink every morning to reap the healthy benefits of raw honey:
- Eight ounces of room-temperature water
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- Juice from half of a freshly-squeezed lemon
Mix the honey and lemon into the water and drink it before eating breakfast to experience the wonderful benefits of the raw honey all day, every day!
5. Raw honey helps you lose weight.
If you are currently trying to eat right and exercise more to lose weight, make sure to include raw honey into your daily activities! Replacing all of your refined sugar intake with raw honey helps your blood sugar stabilize and can lower your body's attempts to hold on to fat.
Source: Pixabay.com
Other studies done on raw honey suggest it can help to suppress the appetite when ingested. By consuming the lemon honey water mixture I mentioned in Tip 4, you can also experience the appetite suppression effects of raw honey!
More Information on the Amazing Benefits of Raw Honey:
- https://www.well-beingsecrets.com/health-benefits-of-honey-ultimate-guide/#Helps_with_Scrapes_and_Burns
- https://draxe.com/the-many-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/
- https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/15/health/honey-health-benefits/index.html
